London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series (14 page)

“I can’t wait to see this castle you’ve told me so much about.”

“It’s pretty spectacular and intimidating.”

“We’ll need to go shopping. I don’t have a dress.”

“Mattie and I can take you shopping. I’m so glad you’re here, Mom. I’ve missed you. I don’t suppose you’d quit your job and move to London, would you?”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“I’m serious. You could sell the house and move. You can work at a hospital here in London.”

“Where would I live?”

“We could help you find a place,” Tess offered.

The tea kettle whistled, taking their attention away from the conversation at hand. Kate walked over the stove and turned off the burner. Tess plopped the tea bags into the mugs while her mom poured the hot water. Finally Kate said, “It’s not a bad idea, you know. I’ll give it some careful consideration.”

Sebastian tucked Mattie under the covers and then placed a teddy bear on each side of her—Charles on the left and Bas on the right. “Love you, darling,” he said, kissing her forehead.

“I’m glad you’re back, Daddy.”

“So am I.”

With that he turned out the lights and left her bedroom, closing the door behind him. It was such an amazing feeling to have this little person who loved him unconditionally and be genuinely happy to see him.

As he walked toward his bedroom, Sebastian wondered if Martin Christopher Baker ever felt a pang of regret for leaving his children behind. With a weary hand, he unknotted his tie and then took off his suit coat. Sebastian tossed the discarded clothes on the bed in his room and sat on the mattress. He grabbed the phone and dialed Max’s number.

After a few brief rings, Max answered the phone. “Irons here.”

“Max, it’s Sebastian.”

“I take it from your tone of voice things didn’t go as anticipated.”

“They went exactly as I anticipated. He didn’t give a damn.”

“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I tried to warn you.”

“I know.” He paused for a moment and then said, “How does a father not care what happens to his children, Max?”

“I wish I knew. I’m not a father yet, but when it does happen for me, I hope I can be as good a father as you are,” Max responded.

Sebastian smiled. “Thank you. That is a lovely compliment.”

“It’s the truth.”

“How are the wedding plans coming along?”

“Penelope is in charge. I just pay the bills,” Max chuckled.

“Any word from Lily?”

“I told her she could come or stay away. I really don’t care what her opinion is. The person I marry is my choice. She has no say in the decision. If she does come, Penelope will be sure to keep you separated. You won’t have to converse with her.”

“I don’t plan to, you can be sure of that.”

“I’ll see you next weekend.”

“Give Pen my love. Goodnight, Maxwell.”

Sebastian joined Tess and Kate a short while later. “Everything okay?” Tess asked.

“Yes. She loved her necklace and is wearing it to bed.”

“We found a sterling silver necklace with a Pegasus horse charm on it in one of the markets,” Tess explained.

“She’s quite taken with horses. I got to hear all about how Sebastian is teaching her to ride and Uncle Max bought her a riding outfit,” Kate said.

“We’ve come a long way from Spring City, Pennsylvania, Mom.”

“Well,
you
have, Tess. I don’t know about me.”

“So are you ladies going shopping tomorrow?”

“Yes, after work. Mom, can you and Mattie meet me at Selfridges?”

“I don’t know where that is.”

“I’ll take you,” offered Sebastian. “I’m only working half the day tomorrow and there are some things I need to do on Bond Street. Maybe we can all have dinner afterwards.”

“That sounds great.”

“Okay, I’ll make reservations.”

The castle was bristling with excitement as the staff prepared for Maxwell and Penelope’s wedding. Many of the guests had arrived the night before, including Sebastian and his family.

Tess tied the blue satin bow at the back on Mattie’s flower girl dress. It was an ivory silk calf-length dress, with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. She wore knee socks and black patent leather shoes and a wreath of rosebuds and baby’s breath on her head. “You look so pretty, Mattie.”

“Let me see,” she said, rushing toward the full-length mirror.

Sebastian knocked on the door. “Are you ladies ready?” he asked, poking his head inside.

“Daddy, do you like my dress?”

Sebastian walked into the room and admired his daughter. “Darling, you look wonderful. You’re growing up too fast.”

“I wish Michael could be here.” She frowned.

“You’re growing up too fast,” Sebastian reiterated.

Mattie smirked and rolled her eyes.

“I brought you the flower basket.”

“Spread the flowers just like you did in rehearsal yesterday,” Tess reminded her daughter.

“Okay. Can I go see Grandmom Kate now?”

“Yes, she should be dressed,” Tess agreed.

Mattie tore out of the room to find her grandmother. Sebastian chuckled. “You might think she runs the castle, the way she makes herself at home.”

Tess looked at Sebastian. “She doesn’t know the history of this place. Some things are better left alone.”

Tess was wearing her pale pink Chanel gown with her hair pulled up in a loose bun. She approached her husband and smiled. “You look very dapper in your tuxedo.”

“You look incredible, as always,” he complimented, taking her in his arms. “I want to kiss you but I fear I won’t be able to stop—and we have a wedding to attend.”

Tess let out a languid sigh. “You’re right. Best we go get Mattie and Mom.

Sebastian took her hand and raised it to his lips and kissed it. “I swear you look more beautiful today than you did on our wedding day.”

Tess blushed at the compliment. “And you are far more charming.”

They walked down the hallway toward Kate’s room. The door was wide open and Mattie was entertaining Kate with stories about riding horses on the grounds. “Mattie, come with me, we need to get you downstairs. Aunt Penny needs you,” Sebastian reminded her.

Mattie hopped off the bed and took Sebastian’s hand and they left the room.

“This place…” Kate began, and then stopped, unsure what to say next.

“Pretty overwhelming—I know,” Tess finished.

“I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Sebastian, having to grow up here.”

“He had some happy times when he was younger—with Nanny Jones.”

“Do you think Lily will be here today?”

“I don’t think so. She wasn’t very happy with Max’s choice of a wife.”

“How sad for the Irons children to grow up without supportive parents,” Kate said.

“All things considered, they’re remarkably normal—well, as normal as wealthy people can be.” Tess giggled to lighten the mood. “Come on, let’s go see how an earl throws a wedding.” Tess linked her arm in her mom’s and together they walked down the grand staircase and out to the back garden.

White chairs with blue velvet seat cushions were neatly arranged in rows. There must have been two hundred chairs by Tess’ estimation. A long white cloth runner was used to make an aisle that led to an ancient stone gazebo decorated with leafy green garland and pink peonies. The sky was clear blue with wisps of thin clouds. It was a perfect day for an outdoor wedding.

Sebastian found the two women admiring the transformation of the garden. He took Tess’ arm and escorted her down the aisle. Kate followed close behind with her escort. Sebastian sat between his wife and his mother-in-law as the remainder of the guests filed in to their seats.

Ten minutes later, the orchestra began to play "Overture" by George Frederic Handel. Mattie began the slow procession down the aisle, sprinkling pink rose petals on the ground as she made her way toward the gazebo. Sigourney followed next, wearing a blue chiffon strapless gown, her hair long and perfectly in place. She carried a nosegay of peonies. After she had taken her place at the front, everyone stood to greet the bride.

Penelope was breathtaking. She wore a strapless white dress with a fitted ruched bodice and a long skirt with a tulle overlay. Her hair was pulled up to show off her long, slender neck and the diamond and sapphire necklace Maxwell had given her as a wedding gift. A short silk veil was attached to her head with his grandmother’s Cartier diamond diadem. She carried a bouquet of peonies and white roses. Penny walked down the aisle, self-assured and beaming with happiness.

Maxwell waited at the end of the aisle for his bride to arrive. He was so riveted with her beauty, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was elegant, poised, warm, and loving—everything he could ever want in a mate.

When she arrived next to Maxwell, she handed her bouquet to Sigourney. The bridesmaids and groomsmen took their seats in the front row and the minister began the ceremony. Sebastian held Tess’ hand as the officiant talked about love, respect, and friendship. He was so happy for his brother and best friend. Even though he had been skeptical of their relationship at first, he had come to realize they truly loved one another. After all, love knows no timelines, and the speed at which one person could capture the heart of another could not be metered. They really were a perfect match, just like Tess and he were perfect together. The couple recited their vows, opting to go the traditional route and exchange platinum wedding bands. Twenty minutes later, the couple were pronounced husband and wife.

The crowd politely applauded as the couple made their way down the aisle to form a receiving line. As people passed by offering their congratulations and best wishes, Penny and Max smiled, happy and in love.

The guests adjourned in the ballroom for dinner. The room was transformed by round tables, flower arrangements, garlands, and candles. Sebastian had never seen the room so alive and festive—not even at Christmastime when he was a child.

The tables were dressed in ivory linen, fine Royal Dalton china, and Arthur Price silver. An elegant floral arrangement sat at the center of each table, while calligraphy place cards announced each guest’s seat.

“This is spectacular. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined how beautiful and extravagant this day would be,” Kate announced as they took their seats at the table.

“This is understated. If Mother were in charge, it would truly be over the top,” Victoria explained.

“Yes, well, thank God she’s not here and Max had to good sense to marry Penny even when she disapproved,” Sebastian said.

“Penny’s from a perfectly respectable family,” Victoria agreed. “I can’t understand why Mummy wouldn’t approve.”

Kate leaned in and whispered to Tess, “So this is how the other half lives.”

Tess nodded her head. “It takes some getting used to.”

The uniformed waiters began dinner service. Everything was perfect and timed to the minute. “Mattie’s so well behaved,” Kate said, astonished.

“I know she can be a ball of energy, but she’s taken to this lifestyle like a fish to water. I guess it’s in her blood.”

“She’s young—it’s easy for children to adapt.”

“She better not get too used to it. Bas and I can’t afford to buy a castle—let alone hire a staff to run it,” Tess laughed.

“It’s a good thing Max and Penny adore her. It takes the heat off of you and Sebastian.”

“Just what do you two have your heads together about over here?” Sebastian leaned in and whispered.

“Your daughter’s good manners and ease of living in all this opulence,” Kate replied.

“She’s amazing, isn’t she?”

After dinner was consumed, dancing began. “Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce the Earl and Countess of Sutton,” the liveried butler announced as Max and Penny took the floor for their first dance. The orchestra began to play “The Best Is Yet To Come.” Max took Penny in his arms and together they moved with elegant grace on the dance floor like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

As the evening wore on, copious amounts of champagne were consumed, toasts were made, and the lavish six-tiered wedding cake was cut and served. The party began to slow down around eleven o’clock. Sebastian and Tess were some of the last guests to retire for the evening.

“What a lovely day,” Tess said, sitting down to remove her shoes back in the comfort of their guest room.

“It was, wasn’t it?” Sebastian agreed as he took off his jacket and loosened his bow tie.

“I feel a little tipsy,” she admitted. “Will you unzip me?”

“Is that all you want?” he asked in a low, seductive tone. He kissed her neck and slowly pulled the zipper down to reveal her soft skin.

“I think I can be persuaded to have a little fun.”

“A
little
fun,” Sebastian teased.

Tess giggled. “There’s nothing
little
about it.”

“That’s better,” he agreed, slipping the dress off his wife.

As they lay in bed after making love, Tess traced the plane of Sebastian’s bare chest with her fingers. “Gosh, it’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks. I feel like I need a vacation to recuperate from everything.”

“I feel the same way,” he agreed, gently stroking Tess’ long brown hair. “I have an idea: let’s go away for Christmas—back to New Jersey. No castle or fancy parties, just the three of us, your mom, and Henry and Alice.”

“I like the idea. I miss Henry and Alice,” Tess said. “Doesn’t it seem like we’re always on the go? I don’t think we were ever this busy back in New York.”

“I think you’re right,” Sebastian conceded. “I miss Henry and Alice, too.”

“Maybe things will fall into a nice calm pattern now that we found your father and the wedding is over.”

“We can only hope.”

It was a crisp, cool, Saturday morning in November. Sebastian pulled Penny’s car up to the front door of the castle and turned off the ignition. Mattie was already unbuckling her seat belt and opening the back door. Max and Penny walked down the stone steps to greet them. It was a bank holiday weekend, so Sebastian took his family out to the country to visit the newlyweds.